Lyon – SSG 3v3 + 2 on 4 small goals by Pierre Sage

Objective of the Drill:

The objective of this drill is to improve team possession , passing accuracy , and building attacking play under pressure. The players will work on creating passing options , maintaining fluid movement , and building up play to score through one of the 4 small goals positioned outside the square. The drill emphasizes quick transitions , decision-making , and team coordination .

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Training session

Pitch Setup:

Dimensions: A square playing area (e. g., 25×25 meters).

Goals:

• 4 small goals are positioned on each side of the square, one on each of the four lines.

Equipment:

• 4 small goals
• cones for boundary marking
• 1 ball
• bibs for teams.

Player Setup:

Attacking Team (3 outfield players + 2 neutral players):

• 3 outfield players inside the square + 2 neutral players inside the square. The neutral players are positioned to support the team with possession, offering passing options.

Defending Team (3 players):

• 3 outfield players tasked with defending and preventing the attacking team from scoring on the small goals.

Drill Description:

Objective of the Game:

• The attacking team (3 outfield players + 2 neutral players) works on building up the attack by passing the ball around and aiming to score in one of the 4 small goals.
• Neutral Players’ Role: The 2 neutral players, positioned inside the square, are only allowed to support the team with possession, offering passing options but can play with one touch .
• Defending Team’s Role: The 3 defenders are tasked with preventing the attacking team from scoring and maintaining pressure on the ball.
• Scoring Condition: The attacking team can only score after making 5 consecutive passes .

Attacking Team’s Mechanics:

• Build-Up Play: The 3 attacking players inside the square look to move the ball around while creating passing lanes and looking for the 2 neutral players inside the square.
• Use of Neutral Players: The 2 neutral players are there to support the team with possession by offering passing options inside the square, but they can only play with one touch .
• Creating Scoring Opportunities: The team aims to make 5 passes before they can score, looking to pass the ball to one of the 2 neutral players, then play through to score at one of the 4 small goals.
• Transition to Defense: If the defending team wins possession, they transition immediately to attack.

Defending Team’s Mechanics:

• Pressuring the Ball: The 3 defending players press to prevent the attacking team from completing 5 passes. They aim to disrupt the rhythm and create mistakes to win back the ball.
• Defending Small Goals: The defenders also need to prevent the attackers from getting through the small goals. This requires good positioning , communication, and pressing.
• Quick Transition: Once the defenders win the ball, they transition into attack by passing to the neutral players on the inside and aiming to create their own scoring opportunities.

Scoring

• Attackers: The attacking team scores by passing the ball through one of the 4 small goals, but only after completing 5 passes .
• Defenders: The defending team scores if they win possession and manage to score through one of the 4 small goals.

Duration and Intensity:

• Duration: 3-5 rounds of 4-5 minutes with 1-2 minute breaks between rounds.
• Intensity: Moderate to high, with an emphasis on quick passing, movement, and transitions.

Coaching Points:

For the Attacking Team:

• Possession and Build-up: Encourage fluid ball movement and quick passing to reach the 5-pass goal before trying to score.
• Movement and Support: Players should make runs to offer themselves as options for the ball carrier. The neutral players should always be available for a pass but maintain their positions inside the square.
• Patience: Stress the importance of patience and decision-making , making sure to complete the 5 passes before looking to score.
• Creating Space: Use movement to pull defenders out of position and create space for scoring opportunities.

For the Defending Team:

• Pressing and Pressure: Defenders need to press effectively, disrupt the passing rhythm, and force mistakes.
• Defending Goals: The defenders need to block the small goals and stop the attackers from getting through. They should always be alert to the attackers’ positioning.
• Transition to Attack: Defenders should look to transition quickly into attack after winning possession, passing to the neutral players on the inside for a potential quick scoring chance.

Key Points for Players:

For Attackers:

• Focus on maintaining possession, creating options, and making quick, accurate passes.
• Use quick ball circulation and make intelligent runs to pull defenders out of position.
• Be patient, and only attempt to score after completing 5 passes.

For Defenders:

• Press high and aggressively to prevent the 5 passes from being completed.
• Stay compact and cover the small goals.
• Transition quickly to attack when the ball is won, using the neutral players to support the build-up.

Variations :

1. Limit Attacker’s Touches: Restrict the number of touches per attacking player (e. g., 2 or 3 touches) to increase tempo and make the drill more dynamic.
2. Add More Neutral Players: Increase the number of neutral players inside the square to create more options and encourage faster ball circulation.
3. Change the Passing Requirement: Instead of 5 passes, increase or decrease the number of passes required to score to increase the difficulty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Slow or Predictable Passing: Attackers should avoid slow ball movement and predictable passing, which allows defenders to anticipate passes and intercept.
• Defenders Not Pressing Effectively: Defenders must avoid giving the attackers time and space to complete their passes. They should pressure the ball and disrupt the build-up.
• Lack of Movement Off the Ball: Attacking players should always be moving and offering passing options, rather than standing still.

Progression Tips:

• Increase the number of defenders to make it more challenging for the attacking team to complete the required number of passes.
• Allow the defending team to score after a certain number of passes to make the drill more competitive and practice transition play.
• Add restrictive zones where players can only score after entering specific areas of the field to increase tactical awareness and improve offensive build-up play.

How It Translates to Match Situations:

This drill replicates real match situations where teams need to build possession, find passing lanes, and look for opportunities to score. It also simulates defensive pressing , quick transitions , and strategic positioning . The focus on passing accuracy, movement off the ball, and team coordination makes this drill ideal for improving overall team play , attacking combinations , and defensive organization .

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